Tag Archives: Ferguson & Urie

Aug 26 2012

03-12-1869: Christ Church, Moorabool St, Geelong, Victoria.

The first Ferguson & Urie stained glass window to be erected in Christ Church at Geelong was the five light Chancel window which depicts Christ in the centre light, flanked by the four evangelists, Matthew, Mark, Luke & John with their biblical alter egos beneath their figures. This window gained quite a bit of notoriety and comment in the tabloids of the time of its erection. Despite significant vandalism in the past 145 years, the most recent attack being in November 2011, it has somehow survived the test of time and is certainly a significant artifact for Christ Church and should be considered for heritage listing.

The Church of England Messenger, 3rd December 1869, page 7

“CHRIST CHURCH, GEELONG.- A handsome chancel window has recently been put up in this church, at a cost of £120, from the workshops of Messrs. Ferguson, Urie and Lyon, of Curzon-street. The style of architecture is that known as late perpendicular, the complicated mullions and tracery admitting as many as eight-and-twenty lights. Of these, the five principal compartments are thus appropriated:- In the centre, to accord with the designation of the church, the Saviour is represented enthroned, having in his left hand the globe and cross, and elevating the right in the attitude of blessing; whilst the compartments on either hand are occupied with erect figures of the four Evangelists. Those who have examined former efforts of this enterprising firm will be struck by the improved purity and brilliancy of colour displayed. The utmost skill has been shown in the harmony of arrangement”.

Photos taken 24th Oct 2010. (Date of Historical photo unknown).

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Geelong Advertiser, Vic, Wednesday 10th November 1869, page 2.

“A gratifying specimen of colonial art may be seen in the chancel window, recently put up in Christ Church, by Messrs Ferguson, Urie and Lyon, of Melbourne. The window, which is about fourteen feet high by ten feet wide, belongs to the order of Gothic, which architects term late perpendicular. it consists mainly of three rows of light, the lower row containing five openings eight feet and a half in height, the mullions of which rise perpendicularly to the top of the window. The second row contains a continuation of these lights, divided into twelve by narrow mullions, these openings being two feet in height; above these is a row consisting of three pairs, rather higher than the middle row. There remain seven small openings supplementary to the complete design. The great feature of a window of this style, and involving a manifest difficulty with which the glass-stainer has to grapple, is the large proportion of stone in the mullions, probably not less than a third of the entire surface. The designer has in this instance shewn his judgement in not attempting a general subject, which would have been broken by the heavy stone framing, as he has made each opening a complete picture in itself, and to a certain extent, independent of the adjoining ones. At the same time there is not wanting a unity of subject. The five principal lights are appropriated to the glorified Saviour, flanked on either side by two Evangelists. At the foot of each of these five figures, is introduced the corresponding symbol, viz., in the centre the pelican wounding her own breast to feed her young; and the evangelistic symbols, the human head, the lion, the ox, and the eagle, under Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John, respectively. The three pairs of lights at the top of the window are appropriately filled up with three cardinal graces and their emblems, viz., faith and the cross, hope and the anchor, charity and the heart. The quatrefoil at the apex of the arch is filled in with the dove. The twelve smaller windows in the middle row remained to exercise the designer’s ingenuity, their small size and large number having occasioned some apparent difficulty. On these we find national emblems, the rose, shamrock, and thistle, besides stars, which may be regarded as generally emblematic of whatsoever things are lovely and of good report. Those who have examined former efforts of this enterprising firm will be struck with the improved purity and brilliancy of colour displayed. The utmost skill has been shown in the harmony of arrangement. The draperies of all the principal figures are particularly well managed, that of the centre being a brilliant mass of ruby red, carried off to the margin in each in each direction by yellows and greens of intermediate warmth terminating at the circumference in cold blue or grey. The effect at the western entrance into the church is a rich flow of light and colour, on which the eye rests with pleasure, and has to complain of no unequal predominance of any one tint. The individual figures are alike bold and dignified in outline, but the execution of the features while in the highest degree creditable, falls short of that depth and sublimity of expression with which the old masters have familiarised us. It is indeed the merit of the whole composition that it attempts the symbolical and heraldic rather than the historical. Its excellences are such as can be best appreciated from a distant point of view. We are told that the entire cost of the window is £120, to meet which collections are to be made on Sunday next.”

Note: The head of Christ in the centre light is not original Ferguson & Urie. This is possibly the third replacement since the window was created in 1869.

Restoration/Conservation:

The east five light window underwent restoration and conservation work in 2004 by Geoffrey Wallace’s stained glass studio.

This window and many others were unfortunately vandalised in November 2013 and will again be in the hands of Geoffrey Wallace for expert repair.

For updated and detailed photos of the full cycle of Ferguson & Urie windows at Christ Church in Geelong, See: http://www.flickr.com/photos/raysalmanac/sets/72157637900257313/

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Aug 25 2012

21-04-1872: Presbyterian Church, Napier St, Fitzroy, Victoria.

The foundation stone of the first Presbyterian Church in Fitzroy was laid by Rev Ramsay in 1849 on the corner of Gertrude and Napier street. By 1870 the site was deemed too noisy for worship due to the traffic noise coming from Gertrude street and plans were commenced to build a new church on a site about 100 meters further down Napier street. The foundation stone of the new church was laid by Sir James McCulloch on the 13th of November 1871 and the church was opened on Sunday the 21st of April 1872. Amongst the various architectural descriptions of the new church was that of the stained glass windows:

“…The main window of the front gable is large and of open tracery, as are the smaller windows. There is introduced in the back gable over the pulpit a large wheel window. All the widows have been glazed in most elaborate designs, with embossed, stained, and ornamental glass, and were made by Messrs. Urie and Fergusson [sic], of this city…”

Photos (updated), taken 2nd March 2013.

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The windows were crafted by the Colonial North Melbourne stained glass firm Ferguson & Urie. The window facing Napier Street is a five light of geometric patterns with text scrolls in the outer and central light with the following pieces of scripture:

“BELIEVE ON THE LORD JESUS CHRIST AND THOU SHALT BE SAVED” (Acts: 16-31)
“BEHOLD THE LAMB OF GOD WHICH TAKETH AWAY THE SINS OF THE WORLD” (John: 1-29)
“THE BLOOD OF JESUS CHRIST HIS SON CLEANSETH US FROM ALL SIN” (John: 1-7)

Above the five lights, in the tracery above is a depiction of the ‘Burning Bush’ with the motto of the Presbyterian church:

“NEC TAMEN CONSUMEBATUR” – (Latin: “Yet it was not consumed”). This is the motto of the Church of Scotland (Presbyterian) and is in reference to the biblical story of Moses and the burning bush. A stylised depiction of the burning bush is used as the Church’s symbol dating from the 1690s.

At the east end of the church is an ornamental rose or wheel window high up in the gable. The windows on the north side of the nave consist of plain diamond quarries with the red and blue borders that are typical of Ferguson & Urie’s ‘stock’ windows. The south wall of the nave does not have any stained glass. Either side of the west entrance, below the principal five light window, are single light windows with cusped heads. These have the typical borders of the Ferguson & Urie ‘stock’ windows, but are more elaborately filled with diamond quarries of monochrome checkered pattern and yellow and white flowers which give the windows a warm golden glow.

The church has been unoccupied for a number of years and as at July 2012 it was put up for sale and subsequently purchased by Mr Glenn Morris.

The Argus, Melbourne, Tuesday 14th November 1871, page 5.

“The foundation-stone of a new Presbyterian church was laid yesterday afternoon, in Napier-street, Fitzroy, by the Hon, Sir James McCulloch, M.L.A. The new building is to be used by the church and congregation that have heretofore assembled in the Presbyterian Church at the Corner of Gertrude and Napier streets, Fitzroy, which has been found insufficient for the congregation, and also very unsuitable in consequence of the great noise caused by the large amount of traffic passing along Gertrude-street while Divine worship was proceeding. The site of the new church is about 100 yards farther down Napier-street than where the old church stands.”

The Argus, Melbourne, Monday 22 Apr 1872, page 5.

“The new Presbyterian Church in Napier street, Fitzroy, was opened yesterday. The Rev. Dr. Cairns preached in the morning the Rev. J. Watsford in the afternoon, and the Rev. P. S. Menzies in the evening, there being large congregations at each service. The building, which will accommodate 500 worshippers, is of bluestone, with freestone dressings, and has cost about £2,700. The architect was Mr. Geo. Brown, and the contractors Messrs. Sumner and Co”.

Illustrated Australian News for Home Readers, Melbourne, Vic, Tuesday 21 May 1872, page 115.

“NEW PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH”

“The new Presbyterian church in Napier street, Fitzroy, was formally opened for Divine services on 21st April…”

“…The main window of the front gable is large and of open tracery, as are the smaller windows. There is introduced in the back gable over the pulpit a large wheel window. All the widows have been glazed in most elaborate designs, with embossed, stained, and ornamental glass, and were made by Messrs. Urie and Fergusson [sic], of this city…”

External links:

Walking Melbourne Forum: Glenn Morris buys the Napier Street Church

Acknowledgements:

Thanks to Glenn Morris for inviting me to the church to get the photographs on Saturday 2nd March 2013.

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Aug 18 2012

13-08-2012: All Saints Anglican Church, Hobart, Tasmania, Australia.

All Saint’s Anglican Church at South Hobart is restoring the church and it’s historic stained glass windows. The restoration of the stained glass windows will be carried out by Tasmanias restoration and Conservation expert Gavin Merrington over a period of more than a year. The church contains stained glass by Ferguson & Urie of North Melbourne, William Wailes of Newcastle-upon-Tyne, London and Charles Clutterbuck, London.

ABC News, Monday 13th August 2012. Interviews include, Ray Brown, Gavin Merrington and Duncan Foster.

1. Ray Brown: 3xGreat Grandson of James Ferguson of the Colonial Victorian Stained Glass firm Ferguson & Urie. The church contains three two light stained glass windows by the firm.

2. Gavin Merrington: Tasmania’s own historical restoration and conservation expert with over 30 years experience in stained glass.

3. Duncan Foster: Tasmania’s expert heritage Stone Mason

Related posts:

1868: All Saints Anglican Church, South Hobart, Tasmania.

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Aug 15 2012

1879: St Luke’s Church, Bothwell, Tasmania, Australia.

The chancel of St Luke’s Church at Bothwell in Tasmania has a magnificent memorial stained glass window by Ferguson & Urie created circa 1879.

The memorial subject of the window is ‘Hunter Young’ (1823-1878) who died in his sleep at the age of 54 in the historic town of Bothwell in Tasmania on Sunday the 19th of May 1878. Hunter had the unfortunate employment title of “Scab Inspector for Bothwell.” His unenviable task was to inspect and fine any farmer found to be selling diseased sheep from the local properties. By all accounts, despite his job, he was well respected and had many friends who later subscribed for the erection of the window. His gravestone still exists at Bothwell Municipal Cemetery.
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Photos taken: 12th  August 2012.
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The memorial text on the window reads: “ERECTED IN AFFECTIONATE REMEMBRANCE OF HUNTER YOUNG BY SOME OF HIS NUMEROUS FRIENDS. A.D. 1879”.

Historic newspaper transcriptions:

Launceston Examiner, TAS, Monday 20th May 1878, page 2.

“TASMANIA (From our own correspondent) Bothwell, May 19”.

“Mr. Hunter Young, Scab Inspector for this district, was found dead in his bed this morning. An inquest will be held at noon to-morrow”

The Mercury, Hobart, TAS, Tuesday 21st May 1878, page 1.

FAMILY NOTICES

“YOUNG.- On May 19, at Bothwell, Hunter Young, aged 54”.

Launceston Examiner, Wednesday 22 May 1878, page 3.

“DEATH OF MR. HUNTER YOUNG.- A telegram from Bothwell in yesterday’s Mercury gives additional particulars to those already published by us. It states that Mr Hunter Young, Inspector of Sheep, was found dead in his bed at his lodgings at Bothwell on Sunday morning. Mr Bumford knocked at his door a little before church time, and receiving no answer, he entered his room and found Mr. Young lying apparently asleep, but quite dead.”

Launceston Examiner, TAS, Friday 24th May 1878, page 3.

“BOTHWELL. (From our own Correspondent.)”

“An inquest was held at the Council Chambers on Monday last, before A. Reid, Esq., and a jury of seven, on the body of Hunter Young, late sheep inspector of this district, who died suddenly at his lodgings early on Sunday morning last. The principal witness examined was Mr Edward Bumford, who deposed – I am a householder residing at Bothwell; I knew the deceased Hunter Young, the subject of this enquiry; I have seen his body this morning in presence of the coroner; he lodged at my house; his duties as inspector of sheep called him from home frequently; he returned home on Saturday afternoon last, having been away since Tuesday; he appeared well and more cheerful than usual; he took a hearty supper after he came home, and went out about 5 p.m., but returned about 8 o’clock and asked if his watch had been sent home, but on being told that it had not said, that he must go and enquire about it; after I had been in bed a good while I heard Mr Young return and slam the door to, but I do not know what time it was; as he did not rise at the usual hour on Sunday morning I knocked at his bedroom door about half-past ten, and receiving no answer I opened it and went inside and found deceased apparently asleep but quite dead; I closed the door and reported the circumstance to the Superintendant of Police. The superintendant of Police and Constable Bumford were also examined, Dr Naylor having made a post mortem examination gave evidence as to the cause of death – he described in professional language the result of his examination, the purport of which was that deceased had died from natural causes, namely, cerebral apoplexy. A verdict to that effect was returned accordingly.

The remains of the deceased gentleman were interred at the Bothwell cemetery on Tuesday afternoon, when a large concourse of friends attended the funeral, Mr Young was a very old resident of the Clyde and Ouse districts and was well known and much respected by settlers generally.  May 21st.”

The Mercury, Hobart, TAS, Saturday 8th June 1878, page 2s.

“OBITUARY”

“Mr. Hunter Young died suddenly at Bothwell on the 18th may. He was a son of the late Captain Young, formerly of the Ouse, and brother-in-law to William Tarleton, Esquire, the present Police Magistrate of Hobart Town. He held the office of Inspector of Sheep for the Western portion of Tasmania for many years, and not withstanding the disagreeable duties pertaining to his office, which he had occasionally to carry out, it is not known that he ever made and enemy. He will be much missed in the Bothwell district, and, in fact, everywhere else where he was known, which was everywhere on the south side of the island”.

Restoration/Conservation:
This Ferguson & Urie window underwent restoration and conservation work by Tasmania’s stained glass expert, Gavin Merrington of ‘Original Stained Glass’, Hobart. Tasmania, in June 2004.

 

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Jul 19 2012

27-01-1868: Royal Victorian Institute for the Blind, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia.

The Victorian Asylum and School for the Blind was formed at a public meeting in Prahran, Melbourne on 21 August 1866. Less than two years later, on the 25th of January 1868 the Hon. George Harker laid the foundation stone for the new building to be erected on St Kilda road. The architects chosen for the asylums design were Crouch & Wilson.

In 1891 the Asylums name was formally changed to the “Royal Victorian Institute for the Blind” (RVIB) and as at 2012,  the original building now hosts a Belgian Beer Hall and Restaurant.

The most historical, and striking feature, is the original Ferguson & Urie stained glass window in the stairwell.

Photos kindly contributed by Mrs Noelle Nathan, taken 16th July 2012.

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The Argus Melbourne, Monday 27th January 1868, page 6.

“THE ASYLUM AND SCHOOL FOR THE BLIND”

“On Saturday the memorial stone of the Asylum and School for the Blind – a building now being erected on the St. Kilda road was laid by the Hon. G. Harker. It had been originally intended that the ceremony should be performed some weeks ago by Prince Alfred, and we are informed that a promise to that effect was made by the Royal Reception Commission; but shortly before His Royal Highness’s departure a communication was received to the effect that it would be impossible for him to fulfill the promise…”

“…This institution was started about eighteen months since, but it is only about a year since it was brought to working order…”

Illustrated Australian News for Home Readers, Melbourne, Tuesday 3rd March 1868, page 4.

“…The third storey will be devoted to paying pupils, and the staircase window is to be of stained glass…”

The Argus, Melbourne, Saturday 1st August 1891, page 5

“… PROPOSED CHANGE OF TITLE. Mr. Alston moved that the title of the institution be changed to “The Royal Victorian Institute for the Blind: subject to the consent of Her Majesty to the use of the prefix. It had been felt that under its present title some misapprehension existed in regard to the objects of the institution, which were primarily to supply an education of a scholastic, musical, and industrial character to its inmates. Mr. Crews seconded the motion, which was carried…”

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Jul 18 2012

22-11-1873: St Mark’s, Warwick, Queensland, Australia.

Warwick Examiner& Times, QLD, Saturday 22 November 1873, page 2.

 “ST. MARK’S CHURCH.- The stonework of St. Mark’s church was completed yesterday. The masons, Messrs. Knott, Sewell, and Hutcheon, have done their work in the most faithful manner, and we would not feel surprised if St. Mark’s church were to prove one of their best recommendations to those about to build. The full effect of the improved style of windows and porch is now seen to advantage. The carpenters have also completed the roof, and have placed the ridge cap upon it. The only considerable portion of their work that remains is the flooring, and with the number of experienced joiners employed, this cannot occupy many days. It may be interesting to note that the church from end of chancel to western porch in 94 feet, and the transepts from porch to porch are 68 feet. The church will accommodate 500 people comfortably – even 600, on a pinch – and will have cost when completed, apart from the proposed tower and peal of bells, nearly £3000. Cathedral glass, with coloured margins, has been ordered from Messrs. Ferguson and Urie, stained glass manufacturers, Curzon-street, Melbourne, and will add much to the beauty and comfort of the church. When and organ has been added – and it will be, we hope, at no very distant date – St. Mark’s church will, if we except the new cathedral in Brisbane, be the finest and most complete ecclesiastical edifice in the colony. A small balance of the subscriptions to the building fund are still unpaid, and we must urge the subscribers to pay it to the Treasurer, Wm. Thompson, Esq., Bank of New South Wales, during the next week, so that all claims for the completion of the church may be satisfied as soon as presented. We shall give full particulars in an early issue in reference to the opening services.”

Warwick Examiner & Times, QLD, Saturday 17th January 1874, page 2.

“ST. MARK’S CHURCH.- There is a pleasant surprise in store for the parishioners of St. Mark’s Church to-morrow morning. The windows have arrived, and have been put into their places during the present week, though all the work connected therewith is hardly yet finished. They are from the Stained Glass Factory of Messrs. Ferguson and Urie, Melbourne, and reflect great credit on that firm. The workmanship is such as we should hardly expect to find in the colinies, and well deserves a visit of inspection from those who are interested in such matters. The centre portion of he windows is composed of cathedral glass, diamond shaped, fitted in lead, and strengthened at every angle by soldering. The margins of nave windows are composed of coloured glass of different shades, so harmonised that the effect is most pleasing. The light is softened and subdued, and the colours so blended, that there is nothing “loud” nor glaring. Nor has the important item of ventilation been forgotten. There are six ventilators which open and shut in the simplest manner, and admit currents of fresh air at such a height as to refresh, and yet not to alarm the most susceptible to colds. But perhaps the most prominent object of attraction is the window in the gable. The centres of the different circles and figures are of Cathedral glass, whicle the margins are stained. The colours are exceedingly rich and effective. Altogether the windows of St. Mark’s Church, while comparatively cheap, are most beautiful and attractive. They give a character and a gracefulness to the Church not often met with. They bespeak excellent judgement as well as chastened taste on the part of those who have designed, selected, and arranged them. The Bishop, on his way to Stanthorpe, preached last night”.

The Queenslander, Brisbane, QLD, Saturday 7th February 1874, page 10.

“St. Mark’s church is completed so far as externals are concerned. The windows, made by a Melbourne house, are very beautiful, and the church is greatly admired. New seats are being made, and grounds are about to be laid out.”

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Jul 13 2012

09-08-1881: Christ Church, South Yarra, Melbourne, Australia.

 The Argus, Melbourne, Tuesday 9th August 1881, page 5

“An effort is being made by the vestry of Christ Church, South Yarra, to take advantage of the present renovation of the church to place a stained glass window in the south transept, as a tribute to the memory of the late Mr. Justice Fellows, and we are requested to draw attention to the advertisement, which appears in another column, inviting subscriptions. We understand that the window to be replaced is not one interfered with by the alterations now in progress, but the vestry consider the present a very fitting opportunity for carrying their praiseworthy object into effect”.

Photos dated: 25th March 2012.

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The memorial stained glass window in Christ Church, South Yarra was created by Ferguson & Urie.

Justice Thomas Howard Fellows died at Sout Yarra on the 8th April 1878. He had also donated the chancel window and the twelve apostle windows in the nave for St George’s Church in Queenscliff.

Related posts:

07-04-1882: St George’s Church, Queenscliff, Victoria.
04-10-1881: Christ Church South Yarra, Melbourne, Victoria.
17-03-1882: Christ Church, South Yarra. Melbourne, Victoria.

YouTube: My basic 360 degree internal view of Christ Church taken with an iPhone 3GS.

External links:

Biography: Thomas Howard Fellows (1822-1878)

Obituary: Justice Fellows. The Argus, 9th April 1878, page 5

Jul 8 2012

13-08-1867: St Peter & St Paul, Geelong, Victoria.

In the later half of 1867 James Urie of the stained glass firm ‘Ferguson & Urie’ of North Melbourne traveled to Tasmania to further expose the business throughout the Colonies. The Hobart Mercury provided detailed reports of his travels as well as mentioning  some of the establishments the company had gained commissions for, or those they had recently completed. One of those mentioned was the church of St Peter & St Paul in Geelong.

The foundation stone of the church was laid by Bishop Goold on the 17th January 1864 and was designed by architect William Wardell in the 13th Century Gothic form. The superintending architect was  J. A. Denny and the contractor was a Mr. Nash, of Geelong. The total cost of the construction exceeded £6000.

Photos taken 23rd August 2009.

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The three light window was erected as the principal east window in the chancel. The left light depicts St Peter with his crossed Keys to heaven. the centre light depicts Jesus in the act of the Ascension with the Holy Dove above and the right light depicts St Paul holding his book and sword and another symbol of the book below.

Freman’s Journal, Sydney, NSW, Saturday 21st July 1866, page 451.

“…The stained window of the altar was designed and executed by Messrs. Ferguson and Weir [sic] of North Melbourne, whose artistic talents have been successfully deployed in depicting not only a work of art, but one also befitting the dedication of the edifice. The window is the history: the ecclesiastical symbols, combined with the figures of the saints, are in severe taste, and the adjuncts in selection consistent. The coloring is cheerful yet sober, and the effect of that nature that shades come up reminding one of historic memories…”

“..Reverting to the stained window we may mention that it is a gift of the Very Rev. Dean Hayes, and we have ascertained that his munificence – not dwarfish on other occasions – has been exemplified in this instance by the outlay of £112…”

“The architect of this unique building is W. W. Wardell, Esq – the superintending architect, J. A. Denny, Esq and the contractor, Mr. Nash, of Geelong, to whom for promptitude and excellelence in workmanship every praise is due. The total cost of the erection exceeds £6000”.

“…The subdued light fell on the altar through the stained glass with just sufficient power to bring into relief the golden woven vestments of the celebrants…”

Unfortunately the images in the slideshow are from my earlier photographic attempts back in the days when I only had a pocket digital camera.

Related posts: 13-08-1867: James Urie visits Tasmania on Ferguson and Urie business.

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Jun 28 2012

1890: Curzon Street, Ferguson & Urie Employees circa 1890.

This is a magnificent historical photo of James Ferguson and five of the Ferguson & Urie employees circa 1890. I would guess this photo may have been taken at the rear of the Curzon street workshops North Melbourne which was their first workshops when they started business in 1853. They advertised from the site as early as 1853 but the workshop building wasn’t erected until after 1858 as indicated in the diaries of stained glass artist David Relph Drape. The building still exists as at 2012 but the interior has been converted to individual apartments and only the shell and facade remain as it appeared in the Ferguson & Urie employee photos of June 1887.

The only two positively identified men in the photo are, James Urie Jnr,  James Ferguson Snr and James Ferguson Jnr. The other identifications are based on a likeness from the 1887 employees photos that were taken for the company dinner held on the 22nd January 1887.

CURZON Street Photos 01a

1.D. Morris, 2. unknown, 3. James Urie Jnr (1870-1896), 4. James Ferguson Snr (1818-1894), 5. J. M. Gilligan, 6. James Ferguson Jnr (1861-1945). Photo kindly contributed by my 3rd cousin Errol Vincent from New Zealand 2010.

CURZON Street Photos 02a

The Curzon Street workshop building as it appeared in June 1887 and photo taken 2012.

When the building was being converted to apartments in 2012 the sales brochures indicated that the building had been “remodeled circa 1875 to become the North Melbourne Masonic Lodge”. This incorrect. Ferguson & Urie retained the building as their workshops until the company demise in 1899.

18990506

In May 1899 an advertisement was placed in the Melbourne Age advertising the auction of their stained glass workshops at 42 Curzon Street would occur at 3p.m. on the 9th of May 1899.

The first tabloid article indicating the building had become the North Melbourne Masonic Lodge appeared in the North Melbourne Courier & West Melbourne Advertiser in September 1902 and it remained in their possession until 2008 when it was put up for auction and sold for $1.3m.

20081014 Curzon

Related posts:

1887 Ferguson & Urie Company Dinner

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Jun 25 2012

02-09-1861: Tarrengower Victoria. John Lamb Lyon stained glass.

The Argus, Melbourne, Monday 2nd September 1861, page 5.

“Amongst the contributions which Tarrengower will forward to the forthcoming Exhibition will be a stained-glass window, in the Early English style, the work of Mr. John Lyon, of Maldon”.

There is obviously insufficient detail in the article to distinguish the description of this window from many other windows described as of “Early English style” and there have been no other articles of the time to associate it by dates.  The only other extant window from the same period of late 1861,  is the Ferguson & Urie two light chancel window of St Margaret’s Church in Eltham which is the earliest known extant window by the firm with evidence of communication with Ferguson & Urie and the church in November 1861.

Lyon is not known to have joined Ferguson & Urie until late 1861, making this ‘Tarrengower’ window his own work, but collaboration is possible. If he had created the window completely of his own accord it could only have been done on a very small scale, assuming he did not have any commercial sized kiln for firing the glass in the tiny township of Maldon. Interestingly the exhibition list of awards published in December 1861, mentions Lyon’s entry as a ‘design for stained glass’ and not actually a window!

The English stained glass artist David Relph Drape is known to have been in Maldon at the exact same time as Lyon and they are both likely to have collaborated in the design and manufacture of the two light west window of the Holy Trinity church in Maldon in 1863. Drape was also the architect of Holy Trinity and commenced work with Ferguson & Urie as a stained glass artist on the 8th November 1863.

Related posts:

John Lamb Lyon, Stained Glass Artist, (1835-1916)

External links:

Biography: John Lamb Lyon (1835–1916)

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